Preflight Check list

kylehousley

New Member
My goal is that this is comprehensive.

If it is then it may be of some help to sailors who get too excited and start forgetting things (myself).

If it is not then additions would be very helpful.

I am uploading the .doc file and I will post the text here. I am definitely looking forward to any additions or modifications. Sign and date if you like!

Hook Up
• Ball on Hitch
o Check that it’s secure
o Cotter Pin
o Safety Chains
• Connect Lights
• Check centerboard
• Check that ropes are still tight
• Check that load is secure

Remembering Necessary Parts

• Drain Plug
• Boom
• Mainsail
• Jib
• Jib Sheets
• Main Sheets
• Cuddy Door
• Drain Plug
• All Blocks
• Rudder
At Launch Set Up
1. Secure drain plug!
2. Unplug lights!
3. Untie towing lines
4. Clear boom, jib and rudder from the hull
5. Organize shrouds
Board Boat
1. Remove forward mast crutch (rethread wing-nut)
2. Walk mast back and secure mast base in mast step
3. Tie jib halyard with supplemental line or make some friends
4. Step mast
5. Pin forestay
6. Mount boom
7. Roll mainsail on one side of the boom in the hull
8. Thread main sheet correctly – tie stop knot
9. Place jib and rudder in hull
Launch Boat
1. Moor to the dock
2. Park truck
3. Main sheet is uncleated with slack
4. Raise mainsail
5. Pin jib clew
6. Keep jib head snuffed, run jib sheets into cleats, tie stop knots
7. Raise jib sail – tight!
8. Set Cunningham
9. Set vang
10. Set outhaul
11. Lower centerboard and clip it
12. Hang rudder
13. Tiller underneath traveler!
14. Untie boat
15. Sheet in and GO!

Compiled By Kyle Housley
May 17, 2010
For
Capri 14.2 Mod 2 Sailboat
 
Not a problem, it was for my own benefit but I had a suspicion that it would be worth sharing. Keep it in mind if you notice anything to add.
 
Two things that jumped out at me. Instead of inserting the pin, buy a pin that locks. Also buy a lock to the part of the trailer that fit onto the ball. Without these two locks, someone can back up to your trailer while you are out sailing, hook up to it and just drive off. Now you have two problems, your boat is stuck in the water and you need to buy another trailer.
 
Good list .

Number 13 is a good one :D

Sometimes I have my boat towed by a friends vehicle so I would add check for proper Ball size. Checking the trailer lights is a given but not your list too . How about adding check lugnuts and tire pressure especially if hauling any distance. I also dont see PFD's or oars on the list . an anchor can be a boat saver too .

I have been trailering my boat with a tie strap that goes around the hull under the bunks and below the centerboard . I want to add a bunk for it to rest on and this is a temporary fix until then . I still cleat it in the up postion but if the line / block/ or cleat fails it wont drop on to the road.

Rob
 
i will post an updated list with the PFDs, I forgot that. I don't have an anchor personally The trailer checks are probably going to be biannual for me because my water is about 15 min away.thanks for the scrutiny.
 
The hot light bulb in the trailer lights can blow out when it hits the cold water, I always unplug my trailer lights before backing into the water. Just remember to plug them back in before hitting the road after sailing.
 
A couple more for the list ,

Tools - I carry a pair of needlenose Vise-Grip pliers and a 6in1 screwdriver. A knife is handy also .

Spare trailer light bulbs and fuse.

Here in California we get asked for registration. I carry that in a plastic sealable freezerbag.

Compass and or GPS , nothing like getting caught in the Fog .

Flashlight - most of my sailing trips include a drive home at night.


Rob
 
Ditto on #13.

Never thought about the trailer lights - have never unplugged them, but wonder why they do not short out in the water.
 
trailer lights

Boat trailers are usually equipped with waterproof lights , not the normal utility trailer lights. Boat trailer lights are usually hollow on the bottom, but form an airtight bubble in the light housing when submerged (like an upside down cup) thus preventing the hot bulbs from coming into contact with the cold water as you are stepping on your brakes going down the ramp. Of course, waterproof lights sell for more money than the regular utilty trailer light kits, so when people replace them, they usually cheap out and put the wrong ones on. If you don't know what kind of lights you have, or don't trust the integrity of the air bubble, then just disconnect the connector to the car.
 
Here is a description of my rigging procedure:

Arrival
• Unplug trailer lights
• Release tie-straps
• Release bungees on mast
• Rig dock lines
• TIGHTEN DRAIN PLUG
Aboard Boat on Trailer
• Walk mast back and position in base
• Insert and thread mast base bolt
• Step mast & Pin forestay
• Unroll mainsail
• Mount boom
• Rig cunningham
• Rig vang
• RIG MAINSHEET CORRECTLY
• Lash mainsail
Around Boat
• Rig jib and jibsheets
• Lash jib
• Mount rudder/tiller
• Mount Johnson Motor
Launch Boat
• Lower into water
• Release winch
• Board boat
• LOWER CENTERBOARD
• Start engine and navigate to dock
• Park car & trailer
Prepare To Sail
• Navigate to open waters
• Set tiller upwind in irons
• Main sheet is free
• Raise mainsail
• Set cunningham
• Set vang
• Set outhaul
• Raise jib sail – tight!
• Fill sails and GO!

PS: Items in bold are from 'learning the hard way' :eek:
 
Pee Bucket

My list is more like things to be sure I don't leave the house without;
Bucket to Pee in
Lunch in P-bucket
Sun Hat
Tools and spare parts
Windex
Pocket knife/leatherman
Extra lines of various lengths
Duct Tape
Binoculars
Rain gear if needed
Chart
Dry Clothes
PFD's
GPS
And before stepping mast: afix Windex on top of mast.
I also take a pencil and paper in my pocket to take notes on
things to do on the boat that I discover while sailing.
 

Back
Top